5 Reasons Texas Quarterback David Ash will have Success this Season

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If the Texas Longhorns expect to contend for a Big 12 championship, David Ash will have to play a significant part in the team's success. Ash missed most of the 2013 season with concussion-related symptoms. He has been cleared for spring practice. Putting the past behind him, here are five reasons Ash will succeed in 2014.

5. Athleticism

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5. Athleticism

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Ash is deceptively fast for a guy who is 6-foot-3, 223 pounds. He is mobile and can buy time in the pocket if necessary. He also knows when to take off and run. Ash will probably spend more time in the pocket this season, but Texas fans know he can make plays with his legs on occasion.

4. Experience

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4. Experience

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This is Ash's fourth year in college. He has shown progress in each of the past three seasons. He was on pace to obliterate his sophomore rushing and passing statistics before getting injured.

3. Intelligence

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3. Intelligence

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Ash is a quiet leader who has learned when to be vocal. He has improved on reading defenses each year. Because of this, head coach Charlie Strong and quarterbacks coach Shawn Watson will not have to water down the offense for Ash.

2. Arm Strength

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2. Arm Strength

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Quarterbacks with strong arms thrive in Strong's system. Ash definitely has the arm. He improved on his accuracy from his freshman to sophomore season. Ash ran a lot of gimmicky plays under previous offensive coordinators. The new offensive scheme should take advantage of his arm strength.

1. Charlie Strong's System

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1. Charlie Strong's System

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Former Louisville Cardinals quarterback Teddy Bridgewater progressed each year under Strong. He finished 2013 with career highs in completion percentage, passing yards and touchdowns. Look for Ash to put up career numbers in all passing categories. Strong and his staff will develop the signal caller into one of the top Big 12 quarterbacks in 2014.